Miami Dolphins fire Josh Boyer and other defensive coaches

The Miami Dolphins will have a change on the defensive side of the ball after firing defensive coordinator Josh Boyer today.

Those expecting the Dolphins to continue with the current defensive system will not be thrilled to learn that Miami has fired their DC and other coaching staff on that side of the ball.

Despite well-coached games against the Patriots, Jets, and in the playoffs against the Bills, there was little consistency throughout the season and Boyer seemed to be over his head at times.

Boyer has been the Dolphins DC for three seasons. He was elevated to DC by Brian Flores in his second season with the Dolphins and was retained by Mike McDaniel, apparently at the request of Chris Grier and other executives who were hoping that the defense would continue to improve.

Miami made sure that almost every member of the 2021 unit returned in 2022 but the results didn’t really improve and the loss of most of the secondary to injury was something that Boyer couldn’t control but couldn’t overcome either.

"“I am grateful for Josh’s contributions this year and throughout his tenure with the Dolphins,” McDaniel said in a statement. “The defense made strides through the season, so coming to this decision was not easy, but ultimately I feel it is in the best long-term interests of the Miami Dolphins and the continued growth of our players and team.” – VIA ESPN"

In addition to Boyer, Steve Gregory who coached the safeties was released from his job as well as OLB coach Ty McKenzie and assistant LB coach Steve Ferentz.

Miami fans shouldn’t be too surprised and more coaching changes could be on the way. None of the defensive coaches will be safe once a new DC is named unless that is a requirement from the front office, which will be unlikely this year.

Another coach that fans are waiting to find out about is special teams coordinator, Danny Crossman. Miami’s special teams have been bad for several years and Crossman has not moved that needle toward improvement since he arrived in 2019. It will be surprising if he retains his job but so far, he has survived.

Now the search for a new DC arrives. Miami has no coaches that are ready for that jump so an internal hire is not likely. Vic Fangio is an option and one that was rumored shortly after McDaniel was hired last off-season.

What’s next for Boyer? Don’t be surprised if he joins Bill Belichick back in New England or follow Brian Flores should he get the Arizona Cardinals head coaching job.